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21 November 2012

Of Thanks

Ryan makes good things happen. It's one of his many qualities for which I'm grateful.

I'd like to think that my talents complement his, that we're a good balance for one another, helping each become better through the conduits of being in tandem.

The beauty and mystery of a family is all the talents coming together to create a unique concoction, sometimes creating harmony and other times a dissonance that has me tilting my head in discomfort until it ceases, as it inevitably does, or else why have a family at all?

squished

Olive, with her ever sunshiny disposition, her dramatic body language, complete with the frequent jazz hands and open mouth. She has no time to waste on clouds of gloom and runs quickly until sunshine hits her cheeks again.

Pearl, true to her name, creates something of beauty with trials and discomfort. Her sensitivity to others is elevated beyond the normal 9-year-old. Her show of gratitude comes from someplace deeper than lessons from parents. We, in turn, are grateful for her.

Azure's body is much too small to represent the amount of fiery spirit within. She is passionate, and listening to her relay a story from her life, you can feel that passion. She loves equality, and while she finds a huge amount of injustice in the life of a 6-year-old, I know that quality will play out beautifully like the well played strings of a violin, if we're getting cheesy, in the years to come and she learns how and where to release the fervor that lies within.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed at the task of mothering these souls. These souls who have come to us as their own, with just a tint of their parents, some of my need to create, a bit of Ryan's sensitivity for others and desire to right the wrongs of the world.

choices

They are these, and they are their own.

And we get to watch and attempt to help, perhaps more like flounder, as we teach what we know, share what we've experienced and hope and pray that they will want to learn and use our mistakes and missteps to their advantage to start life a few rungs higher.

Drummer's personality is unfolding. He is blessed to have a flock of adoring fans built into his daily life. Parents and sisters alike who rush to soothe his cries, to pick him up and show him the world. He is demanding, but I have a feeling he will give more than he'll ever take.

Divine has shown signs of a good mother already, as Drummer will turn to her first among the sisters. She likes to please others and make people laugh, and talents of a visual nature come easily to her.

in the "hive"

choosing charms for their bracelets

Clover doesn't miss a thing. She knows when we've passed our street, she knows who is where, and she knows where things are (although it's often because she has hidden them). She knows. Her knowledge will soon be wisdom and she uses those pieces to identify outcomes and possibilities. And boy, is she fun.

So, as we prepare to celebrate our day of giving thanks, I feel gratitude for the personalities that I call my family. They add flavor, they add zest, and above all, they help me to strive to be better, and soon they will surpass everything I'm able to teach them.

Ah Katy, I have been an avid No Big Dill reader for years now and this is probably your best post yet. So beautiful and spoken perfectly with your motherly love. Thank you for sharing your life, thoughts and family on this space. They are a joy and sign of encouragement with every post. http://brindyayn.com

Oh, this a wonderful post! I love the way you appreciate each child - being a mother is a beautiful thing! Your photos a lovely - that last one is priceless!

Did you hit Savannah again? I just went last week and had a marvelous time! I would love to hear all of your suggestions. It looks like you hit two of my favorite places - Savannah Bee Co and The Candy Kitchen! (did you get a warm praline?)

What beautiful words. Your babies are blessed to have you. I am always surprised at how a mumma knows her children, and you are no exception. It is a blessing to learn about our children as they grow - and how much more they teach us about ourselves. Happy Thanksgiving all the way from Australia!

I love all of your photographs as well as the sentiments attached, but I think that last photo is my favorite. I can almost hear the music. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving. It is good to be reminded once a year that we are all such fortunate Mamas.~Michelle

what a lovely love letter to your children. years from now they are going to read this and feel truly , deeply loved and respected as individuals. I just wish I'd done this for my sons who are 24 and 28 but I'm going to sit down and do it today. Happy T-day!

Thank you for another wonderful perspective on motherhood and raising our kids. You have to go to threadless.com and check out their Big Dill t shirt. Every time I see it, I think of you and your family.

Oh you have so much to be thankful for! Your family is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with us! Clover sounds so much like my son! ;0) we all need a finder in our lives! (Even if they are the one who hides it! LOL) squish each one of them! Our kids are the most precious gifts!

Please write a book one day. Thank you for letting us have a peek inside your beautiful life with such vibrant souls. I love your family and am determined to finally meet you! Your children are so blessed to have you.

Please write a book one day. Thank you for letting us have a peek inside your beautiful life with such vibrant souls. I love your family and am determined to finally meet you! Your children are so blessed to have you.